Reclaiming My After-Hours
I did it. I finally hit "Delete" on the Microsoft Teams app on my phone.
And no, I’m not quitting my 9–5 or moving to a remote cabin (though wouldn’t that be nice? 🌲). I’m still very much here, laptop open and coffee in hand, during office hours. But after years of letting my pocket buzz with "quick questions" at dinner and "urgent" updates during my morning commute, I realized a fundamental truth about the modern workplace:
The "ping" will never tell you when to stop. Your phone will never tell you when you’ve done enough. You have to be the one to draw the line. 🛑
The Myth of "Always Available"
Working a desk job in digital communications means my "office" is technically anywhere there’s a screen. For a long time, I wore my responsiveness like a badge of honor. I’m the dependable one. I’m the fast replier.
But here’s the reality: being "always available" is the fastest way to drain the battery on the very creativity I need to do my job.
Why Boundaries are a Professional Necessity
To be my most intentional and present self, I had to stop viewing boundaries as a "luxury" and start viewing them as a requirement for high-quality work. Here is why making my phone a Teams-free zone has changed the game:
1. Recharging is a Professional Skill 🧠 We often talk about "hustle," but we rarely talk about the ROI of rest. I am a sharper designer, a more strategic storyteller, and a better problem-solver when I’ve actually had time to unplug. My best work doesn’t happen when I’m running on empty; it happens when I’ve given my brain the space to breathe.
2. Nobody sets your boundaries for you 🚫 This was a hard pill to swallow. If I answer an email at 8 PM, I’m inadvertently teaching my colleagues and clients that 8 PM is a great time to reach me. People will respect the boundaries you communicate, but they can't respect boundaries that don't exist.
3. Presence is Everything ✍🏻 When I’m at my desk, I want to be 100% there. But when the clock hits 5:00 and I’m settling in to practice my freehand drawing, going for a walk, or catching up with a friend, I want to be 100% there, too. Without the app on my phone, I’m no longer "half-working" during my personal time, which means I’m no longer "half-resting" during my work time.
Quality Over Connectivity
Deleting the app isn't about being unreachable; it’s about being high-quality. It’s about ensuring that when I am logged in, I’m bringing my full focus and best ideas to the table instead of a distracted, frazzled version of myself.
Since deleting the app, I’ve noticed I’m more excited to log on in the morning. I’m more intentional with my tasks. And most importantly, I’ve reclaimed my "after-hours" as a sacred space for the things that fuel my soul—like travel planning, art, and real connection. 🌈✨
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to reclaim your notifications and protect your focus... this is it. Trust me, the world won't end if that "quick question" waits until 9:00 AM tomorrow.
Do you have the "work apps" on your personal phone, or have you drawn a hard line in the sand?
